UP THE MECHS Issue 2 Saturday 13th August 2022 3pm V Ashton Town £2
FROM THE EDITOR Good afternoon and welcome to today’s NWCFL game against Ashton Town. Hopefully you all enjoy the game today and it’s another three points for the Donlads! ’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily posts from the club and updates when we’re away from home! Mark CONTENTS PAGE 4: Bairdy’s PAGEBench6 -9: Today’s Visitors PAGE 10: Pre Season Round-up PAGE 14-15: AFC Reserves PAGE 24-25: Last Time We Met PAGE 30-31: Interview PAGE 35: Today’s Teams
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WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 5 BAIRDYS BENCH
It’s been a strange start to the season fixture wise with a blank Saturday this weekend just gone thanks to the FA Cup fixtures. I suppose it’s been good in hindsight with a couple of players having niggles from our opening two games, they’ve had the chance to rest. Add to that the intensity that we’ve start the season with and I think the lads will have been glad for the weekend off.
Good afternoon and welcome to Jepson Way for this afternoon’s game against Ashton WelcomeTown.to
Lee and his backroom team, players and the committee of Ashton and to the fans who have made the journey today. Hopefully you all have a good day with us and a safe journey back.
It was great to see our reserves kick off their season on Saturday in the West Lancs. It will be a tough season for them with a really young side, but they’ve got some good players in the team that we’ll be keeping an eye on. We’re talking to Gabe and Jack so anyone whose progressing well will get their chance with us. Tom Shuttleworth, Alex and Matty Sillett all featured and did well so it gives lads another chance to play if they don’t feature for the first team.
Onto today’s game Ashton will be coming looking to pick up their first point of the season after a tough two opening games. There’s no shame in losing to both Nelson and Pilkington who will be do well this season. Be under no illusions, we’re still know this will be a tough game with plenty of quality in the Ashton side. We’ll be missing Adam which is obviously big for us after only just getting him back, but I’m sure he’ll still be influential for us on the side lines. I’d like to thank everyone for their well wishes and concern after the incident.
Enjoy the game and come and join us for a beer after the game! Bairdy Up the Mechs!
Today’s AshtonVisitors:Town Year Formed: 1962 Ground Address: Hebs Group Stadium, Edge Green Street, Ashton, Wigan. WN4 8SL. Secretary: Stefan Ochwat Chairman: Christopher Wright Manager: Lee Bignell WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 6 TODAYS VISITORS
Towards the end of the 1910 11 season the club withdrew from the league and their fixtures were taken over by Tyldesley Albion.
In 1962 the club were renamed Ashton Town after being forced out of their Windsor Road ground and moving home matches to a public park pitch at Whithill Street Recreation Ground in Bryn. However, they won the league again in 1962 63 and 1963 64. In 1964 the club purchased their Edge Green Street ground, which had previously hosted Stubshaw Cross Rovers. They finished as Division One champions for a fifth time in 1964–65, before winning a sixth title in 1969–70. They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1971, moved to Division Two of the Cheshire County League in 1978 and became a founder member of Division Three the North West Counties League in 1982.
The current club was established in 1953 as Makerfield Mill. They initially played in the Wigan Sunday School League, before moving to the St Helens Combination, in which they played for three years, winning Division Two in 1957–58. In 1958 they joined the Warrington and District Amateur League, winning Division One in 1959 60 and 1960 61.
After Division Three was merged into Division Two in 1987, the club had remained at the same level until relegation to the Cheshire Football League Premier Division at the end of the season 2016/17. Then gained promotion back to the North West Counties division 1 North 2018/19 season. They have since been competing in the Counties Divisions.
THE HISTORY OF ASHTON TOWN
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The original Ashton Town joined Division Two of the Lancashire Combination in 1903, and were promoted to Division One in their first season. However, they were relegated back to Division Two after finishing sixteenth in their first season in Division One.
In 1985 the club dropped into the Manchester League, but returned to Division Three of the North West Counties League the following season.
ONES TO WATCH WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 8
A familiar name and face to Mechs fans, Brendan featured for Mechs towards the end of last season in defence. Comfortable on the ball, we never really got to see the best of Brendan in his preferred position in the middle of midfield due to injuries. His quality and leadership will be a big factor for Ashton this season. A tricky winger/forward, Wright has looked danger’s previously faced Mechs. He’ll be looking to once again cause problems this afternoon against the Mechs backline. Certainly one to d love him on your side and hate him if you had to face him. Brendan OBrien
The experienced goal keeper was recently snapped up having recently left Rylands. Having progressed through the local league, McCall showed his quality keeping goal for Rylands double promotion and briefly for City of Liverpool. He could play a big part in deciding today’s result. Graeme McCall
Tuesday night saw Town lose out to Steeton thanks to an 83rd minute winner from Tobias Jeffrey. The hosts had took the lead thanks to Jake Townsend after 18 minutes which lasted the majority of the game.
Ashton started the season with defeat away at Pilkington. A tough opening day fixture against a team who have strengthened since last season. The hosts took a 3-0 lead in the game before Colm Lynch grabbed a goal back just before half time. Town couldn’t keep the pressure up though and further goals for Pilks from Chris Lomax and Adam Gilchrist secured the big win for the hosts.
Colm Lynch equalised from the spot for Town on the 75th minute but The Gaffer Lee Bignell returned to Town having previously served as Assistant Manager to Glynn Hurst. The former Prescot Cables man has a good player knowledge from the local area having already strengthened his side this season. Formerly a coach this is Lee’s first job as Manager and one he will no doubt be looking to thrive in.
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RECENT RESULTS
Town’s second game of the season came at home against Nelson but again they fell to defeat. Despite taking the lead in the game two second half goals from Jack Foster and Jack Holt were enough to secure the points for Nelson. Former AFC man Ethan Van-Aston grabbing the early goal for Ashton after just four minutes.
LATEST NEWS WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 10
The ideal candidate would be available for all first team games home and away aswell as mid week training sessions. Full qualifications would be necThisessary.isa paid role for the correct candidate. To apply for the role, please email: allowe123@outlook.com
AFC Blackpool currently have a vacancy within the first team set up for a Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist. This is one of the most important roles at the club. You’ll work closely with the first team squad and coaching staff to assess, treat and look after the squad, before, during and after games.
MATCH ACTION WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 11
The 2022/23 season see’s us enter a Reserve side into the West Lancashire League. This is with the intention of continuing our path from junior sides into the first time as smooth as possible. Here we’ll keep you upto date with the latest news from the side.
Manager Gabe Mcsweeney was looking for his side to continue the promising performance they’d given in the loss against Astley, which saw his side dominate proceedings in the second half. It was Sam Burton who grabbed the goal for AFC when he pounced on a weak back pass from the Euxton centre back. The winger was quick on his heals to nip in and slot past the visiting keeper. The visitors goal came through clever play down the right hand side before the move went inside. A nice pass down the middle cut AFC open and Nick Buckley finished first time past Harry Chadwick.
After the game Manager Gabe Mcsweeney said: “It’s a fair result in the end. After dominating in the first half, Euxton came at us In the second half but we stood tall and defended well. We were a threat right through the game. Playing some quality football, the lads are improving every game. We still have loads of room to get better but they are an exciting group to work with.”
AFC Blackpool Res 1-1 Euxton Villa Res AFC reserves picked up their first point of the season with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Euxton Villa on Tuesday night. The visitors had won their opening game and sat top of the table coming into this one, all be it after one game.
Mechs are back on the road this weekend travelling to face Chipping.
RESERVES
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RESERVES WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 15
PLAYER SPONSORS WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 16 Jacob Gregory Sponsored by: Dan Hall Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Fran Donaghy Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Conah Bishop Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Ben Duffield Sponsored by: Jake Darnell Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Josh Dolby Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Kyle Higham Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Billy McKenna Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Alex Mcloughlin Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor
PLAYER SPONSORS WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 17 Tarren Moxon Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Joe Robinson Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Ric Seear Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Matty Sillett Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Ethan Smyth Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Josh Winder Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Sam Staunton-Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor AdamTurnerChippendale Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Adam Sumner Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor Thomas Shuttleworth Sponsored by: Available to Sponsor
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Both sides had chances within the first half, with Dan Hall saving well in front of support, and Jacob Gregory had a left footed effort which was collected by the Ashton keeper.
The away side had the best chance of the half in the 35th minute. A free kick was whipped towards the six yard box and met by the foot of an Ashton Town player, but remarkably the shot flew over the bar.
HALF TIME: AFC Blackpool 0-0 Ashton Town 0-0 Ashton Town Tuesday 29th March 2022
AFC
created the first opportunity of the game, setting up White, but the shot was tame.
AFC Blackpool’s push to secure playoffs continues after a 0-0 draw at home to Ashton Town. Following the away win at Golcar United, Martin Baird made some changes to the starting XI, bringing Ben Duffield, James Hughes and Ryan White into the Andside.Hughes
LAST TIME WE MET WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 20
VS ASHTON TOWN
The second half began in a similar fashion, AFC had an early corner cleared, and the away side could not break the defensive line.
The final chance of the match fell to Ryan McLean, whose cross from the left looped over the goalkeeper, but hit the crossbar.
Their final game of the season comes away to Ilkley Town, who could well be fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.
AFC’s final change of the night saw Curtis Thompson come on for Brendan O’Brien, which saw Adam Sumner drop into defence.
AFC: Hall, Radcliffe, Bishop, OBrien, Mclean, Sumner, Hughes, Gregory, White, Duffield, Morris. Subs: Sillett, Mckenna, Winder, Thompson.
One point, all but secures a playoff place for the Mechanics, assuming that their healthy goal difference compared to other sides does not change dramatically.
Ashton’s golden opportunity came in the 88th minute, but Dan Hall tipped the ball over the bar, with the resulting corner coming to the nothing.
Baird made two early substitutions in the half, with Duffield and Morris being replaced by McKenna and Winder.
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On the 58th minute, James Hughes found space in the centre of the pitch, before playing in Jacob Gregory, but his effort flew over the bar. Then, minutes later Hughes himself had an effort, after his corner found its way back to him, but his shot from the edge of the area, just missed the net.
Despite there being no goals in the game, AFC still added a point to their tally, putting them one step closer to the playoffs.
League table correct as of Tuesday 9th August LEAGUE TABLE WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 22
AFC Blackpool took there first three points of the season, in a 3 1 win over Atherton LR on Tuesday. A brace from Josh Winder and a thunderous finish from Billy McKenna sealed the win for Martin Baird’s side.
LAST TIME OUT WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 24 AFC Blackpool 3-1 Atherton LR
Josh Winder found the back of the net, this time he latched onto the ball on the edge of the area, before wriggling into some space and firing a shot into the top left corner.
The first home match of the season for AFC, saw the visitors start quickly, testing goalkeeper Dan Hall early on. Saves from the keeper, and a good block from Fran Donaghy snuffed out the early danger however. In the 11th minute, Josh Winder found himself on the end of a great move involving Mckenna, Seear and Dolby, but he was called offside. Down the other end, Hall was forced into a save again, before Chippendale made a good recovery after being dispossessed. On the half an hour mark, AFC made it 1 0. Ben Duffield clipped a dangerous ball forward, which Ric Seear committed himself to, forcing the goalkeeper into an error, which found the feet of Josh Winder who chipped the ball into an empty net from range. Then, minutes later, with momentum on their side, the Mechs doubled their Oncelead.again
Alex McLoughlin, Kyle Higham and new signings Regan Whittaker and Michael Roddy saw some minutes too. Atherton scored a consolation goal in the 74th minute, through Joe Holt, however they could not mount a comeback from then on.
With a bombardment of chances late in the first half, Martin Baird’s side picked up where they left off after the break. Three minutes into the half, Billy McKenna made it 3 0.
Just before the half time whistle, McKenna was played through by Josh Dolby, but his chipped effort was caught by the goalkeeper.
Despite a great performance from AFC, Sumner’s midfield presence will be missed.
LAST TIME OUT VS ATHERTON LR
McKenna’s goal, the game became scrappy, with Atherton pushing for a comeback, but AFC frustrating them. Ben Duffield threw himself at a shot destined for the net, which eventually saw him replaced by Jake Darnell through injury.
AFC: Hall, Moxon, Donaghy, Chippendale, Carpenter, Mckenna, Sumner, Duffield, Dolby, Seear, Winder. Subs: Whittaker, Roddy, Higham, Darnell, Mcloughlin.
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As the match drew to a close, Adam Sumner was brought down on the right hand side, which saw him require medical assistance on his wrist after an awkward fall and the final whistle was blown.
Josh Winder turned provider this time, cutting the ball back to his teammate who fired a low shot underneath the keeper from the edge of the arFollowingea.
As we welcome Ashton Town to Blackpool today, here’s how we’ve faired in previous meetings... HEAD TO HEAD PAST MEETINGS: W: 6 D: 3 L: 5 LAST TIME WE MET: AFC 0-0 ASH The two teams have met 14 times since 2009 with Mechs holding a small lead in games won with six wins. Town are hot on our tails with five games won, three games have ended in draws. Last season’s games saw Mechs win at Ashton on the opening day, before drawing 0 0 in the reverse fixture at Jepson Way. WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 26 Pictured: Oscar Radcliffe celebrates his goal against Ashton Town last season. Picture by Adam Gee
WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 27 NEXT UP AT JEPSON WAY SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER Vs Darwen FC 3pm Join us back at Jepson Way next month when we welcome Darwen FC to Blackpool. After three away games on the trot, it will be good to see Mechs back on home turf.
Price: £300 Other opportunities Player Sponsorship Sponsorship
• Kit Sponsorship SPONSORSHIP WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 28
A great way to watch the game in comfort from the EMB Electrical Sponsorship Lounge or with reserved seating, If you prefer. Sponsoring a match will see your company name and logo in our programme and across social media In the build up and coverage around the game which is viewed by thousands, particularly online. You’ll be treated to halftime refreshments in the lounge aswell as a couple of free drinks from behind the bar.
Price: £100 Pitchside Advertising Boards Pick your spot around the hallowed turf of Jepson Way to advertise to everyone who steps through the turnstile. Your company logo and contact details will be seen by Thousands across the season with Jepson Way playing host to 3 AFC teams aswell as local finals, tournaments and several other events. The board can be up for one season, or we can arrange a deal that best suits you to keep it up for a longer period.
•
The football club relies on the generosity of the local public to keep going, especially during these tough times. Anyone interested please contact Alan Lowe on either or allowe123@outlook.com.
07563220071
Match Sponsorship
• Ground
SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST Vs3PMNelson Back on the road to face Nelson FC. After two home games the lads will be looking to remain unbeaten away from Blackpool after our draw against Runcorn Town. Address: Little Wembley, Lomeshaye Way, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7BN WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 29 NEXT UP ON THE ROAD
The striker equalised against Runcorn Town before grabbing a double against Atherton LR last Tuesday at Jepson Way. Now he’s got the first under his belt, the striker is looking to keep his run going.
Striker Josh Winder is looking to continue his goal scoring form after scoring three games in his opening two games of the season.
“It’s been a good start to the season for myself and the lads, four points from six isn’t a bad return to build on. When I’ve got the chances I’ve made sure to take them so far. We’ve been working on movement in training between myself and the other forwards and I think it’s paying off for us.” WINDER
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JOSH
The striker joined towards the end of last season from Northwich Victoria and showed his quality adding an extra element to AFC’s frontline. Having had time to settle in, the forward is now looking to help welcome AFC’s newest recruits to the club.
“People will look at our side and say how young a team it is and it is. But the lads that have come in have give us a new hunger and desire to win. We’ve got legs for the whole 90 minutes that we lacked last season. They’re all good footballers that have fit in well with the group.”
“We’ve kept hold of most of the lads from last season so there’s an extra drive in the group to to go one step further after what happened last season.”
So far this season, Josh has lined up with four different strike partners. Versatility is something the striker feels is flowing through the side.
“We saw it last season and again at the start of this one. We’ve got lads that are willing to put a shift in for the side and play in less familiar positions. I’ve enjoy playing with Ric so far. He’s come straight in and his presence is known by everyone on the pitch. His work rate on and off the ball helps lift all the lads.”
“The goal for the season is to get as many goals as I can and help the team as much as I can to get to where we want to be come the end of the season.”
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Date Day K.O Opponent Home/Away Result Competition 30/07 Saturday 15:00 Runcorn Town Away 1 1 League 02/08 Tuesday 19:45 Atherton LR Home 3 1 League 13/08 Saturday 15:00 Nelson Home League 20/08 Saturday 15:00 Holker OB Away League 29/08 Monday 15:00 Steeton Away League 03/09 Saturday 15:00 Darwen Home League 10/09 Saturday 15:00 Cleator M C Home League 17/09 Saturday 15:00 Chadderton Away League 01/10 Saturday 15:00 Pilkington Home League 15/10 Saturday 15:00 FC St Helens Away Macron Cup 22/10 Saturday 15:00 Daisy Hill Away League 29/10 Saturday 15:00 Ilkley Town Home League 05/11 Saturday 15:00 South Liverpool Away League 12/11 Saturday 15:00 Bacup Boro Away League 19/11 Saturday 15:00 Chadderton Away League 03/12 Saturday 15:00 Daisy Hill Home League 10/12 Saturday 15:00 Ilkley Town Away League 17/12 Saturday 15:00 Steeton Home League 26/12 Monday 15:00 Euxton Villa Away League 07/01 Saturday 15:00 Pilkington Away League 14/01 Saturday 15:00 South Liverpool Home League 21/01 Saturday 15:00 Nelson Home League 28/01 Saturday 15:00 Cleator M C Away League WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 32 FIXTURES & RESULTS
Date Day K.O Opponent Home/Away Result Competition 04/02 Saturday 15:00 Garstang Home League 11/02 Saturday 15:00 FC St Helens Away League 18/02 Saturday 15:00 Runcorn Town Home League 25/02 Saturday 15:00 Darwen FC Away League 04/03 Saturday 15:00 Ashton Town Away League 11/03 Saturday 15:00 Holker O B Home League 18/03 Saturday 15:00 FC St Helens Home League 25/03 Saturday 15:00 Garstang Away League 01/04 Saturday 15:00 Atherton LR Away League 08/04 Saturday 15:00 Euxton Villa Home League 15/04 Saturday 15:00 Bacup Boro Home League WWW.AFCBLACKPOOL.ORG.UK 33
